Since 2005, the Fundación de las Américas para el Desarrollo (Foundation of the Americas for Development), in collaboration with International Network Partners of the Americas, has implemented the programme “A Ganar” in the Metropolitan District of Quito, Ecuador. “A Ganar” aims at combating the pressing issue of youth unemployment by using football as a tool for the training, education and motivation of young people. The foundation harnesses football to develop concepts such as inclusion and ownership and to promote discipline and goal setting. The programme targets young, under-privileged males and females that do not have access to higher education, helping them to avoid becoming involved with violence, youth gangs or developing substance addiction.

The programme consists of three phases, including an 80 hour workshop “from sports skills to skill for work” which focuses on developing respect, discipline, self development, team work and communication in the classroom and on the pitch. The workshop is then followed by a 200 hour vocational training period in important labour markets such as the service, engineering and fashion industries. The final stage is a 160 hour internship, volunteering or mentoring programme. Throughout the three phases the students are mentored and after finishing the programme they receive a continued period of support.